Aruba, One Happy Island | Things to do in Aruba

Aruba Travel Guide

Aruba Travel Guide

Planning you next vacation? You should add Aruba to you travel list.

Aruba really is one happy island- it makes you forget everything in the world. 

White sand, clear blue water, sunny weather and it feels like paradise.

Aruba one happy island, aruba travel guide

Before travelling to Aruba, I had heard so many wonderful things about the island that I wasn’t sure if I should have high expectations or if I would be disappointed because of my hopes.

Aruba is a one-of-a-kind destination. There’s something for everyone here, with its gorgeous beaches, super duper activities, and scenic treasures.

An Aruba trip offers a chance for leisure, fun, or both. The island is a must-see destination off the northern coast of South America. Its magnificent resorts are surrounded by clear, azure waters and the island looks like a vacation advertisement come to life.

Aruba boasts a unique countryside in the Caribbean with varying landscapes that offer different experiences to visitors. You can traverse the rugged terrain on an off-road adventure or simply take in the serene beauty of the sandstone pools and rock arches.

Aruba travel guide Aruba Caribbean
Aruba vacation

Aruba has something for everyone. Scuba diving enthusiasts can explore superb dive sites, including some wrecks teeming with marine life. The island’s gorgeous beaches are ideal for windsurfing and other water sports.

In short, Aruba offers travelers many options. Whether you want relaxation, adventure, or both, you’re sure to find it on this beautiful island.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Aruba has a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Many of the resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include meals, drinks, and activities, making it easy to plan your stay.

In addition to the natural beauty of the island, Aruba has a rich history and culture that is worth exploring. The capital city of Oranjestad is a great place to start, with its colorful Dutch colonial architecture, museums, and shops.

For those who enjoy nightlife, Aruba has a variety of bars, clubs, and casinos. You can dance the night away to live music, try your luck at one of the many slot machines, or simply enjoy a cocktail under the stars.

Overall, Aruba is a fantastic destination that is sure to please. With its stunning beaches, unique countryside, and endless activities, it’s no wonder that so many people return year after year.

aruba travel tips and travel guide

We had a lot of amazing time during our travels and we traveled to many beautiful destinations, but our trip to Aruba will always stay our favorite one. In Aruba we created the most precious memories in our lives.

Imagine running to the beach first thing in the morning. The water was at its most magnificent color in the morning hours, around 7 a.m. until 10 a.m.

Aruba beach, best beaches in Aruba

Travel Time: Los Angeles – Aruba

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from LAX to Aruba. It was about a 4 hour flight from LAX to Atlanta, and another 4 hours from Atlanta to Aruba on Delta. Depending on where you’re coming from, you would have to first connect in an airline’s hub city, like Atlanta for Delta, Dallas/Miami for American, or New York/Orlando/Ft. Lauderdale for JetBlue.

Weather in Aruba

Despite the sunny and all year round hot weather, Aruba is also known for being windy. Though, it’s not going to destroy your paradise vacation mood but winds can make things a bit uncomfortable. Like, you always need to keep your hands on your hat or towels, keep your light weighted things in a safe place if you don’t want the wind to take them away from you. I remember we always tied the towels on chair before going to swim and sometimes the wind could win the tied towels as well.

Sunbathing in Aruba

Despite the strong winds that keep you cool, Aruba is pretty close to equator and getting quickly burnt from sun is something you want to avoid during your trip, especially on your first day.

Sunscreen with a high SPF of 40 or more that protects against UVA and UVB radiation is suggested.
Even though the sunscreen appears to be waterproof, it’s a good idea to apply every few hours, especially if you’ve been swimming.

We stayed at the beautiful Hilton Aruba. Conveniently located on Palm Beach, we had crystal clear water on one side and the main street for shopping and dining on the other side.

The Hilton Aruba offers beautiful rooms with ocean views, complimentary beach chairs, various different water sport activities, a casino and many different dining options.

Aruba sunset, Aruba view from hotel
Hilton Aruba ocean view room

Things to do in Aruba

If you are thinking of traveling to this one happy island for being lazy and enjoying the beach for 24 hours this list will probably help you make a final decision.

Be an early bird

Aruba-Travel-Guide-things-to-do-in-Aruba-Aruba-vacation

If you want to see Aruba’s crystal clear and turquoise ocean, you’ll need to get up early and rush to the beach to soak up the sun and feel the island vibes. After 10 a.m., as the sun rises higher in the sky, everything will look different, as the ocean will reflect the sun’s rays, making it impossible to discern its color.

Morning breakfast

When you’re on vacation, it’s tempting to stay in bed all day. But if you’re in Aruba, you’ll want to wake up early and have breakfast by the water. This way, you can enjoy the stunning ocean views and a memorable experience.

Breakfast-in-Aruba-Caribbean

Drinking your morning coffee while being entranced by the ocean is peaceful and beautiful. The sound of the waves, the salty air, and the warm sun will refresh and rejuvenate you for the day.

At the beach, there are plenty of things to do throughout the day. You can soak up the sun, take a dip in the water, or try water sports. There are also many beachfront bars and restaurants in Aruba where you can enjoy a cold beer, a refreshing cocktail, or a delicious lunch.

So, make the most of your vacation. Wake up early, have breakfast by the water, and enjoy all that Aruba has to offer. You won’t regret it!

Activities

Experience an adventurous ride on a banana boat or jet ski, or take a jeep tour of Aruba’s stunning Arikok National Park.

Scuba Diving

A half-day beginner scuba diving training in Aruba allows you to explore a small coral reef or one of the island’s famous shipwrecks.

On a multi-activity sailboat tour, you can spend some time in Aruba’s beautiful maritime environment. While sailing and relaxing on the boat’s deck, keep an eye out for local dolphins. Then, dive in and snorkel among the coral.

Sunset

Your hotel can help you plan the ultimate sunset experience, which could include private dining and champagne on the beach, island experiences, creating your own sunset routine, and much more.

Sunset-in-Aruba-Aruba-vacation-guide
things-to-do-in-Aruba-4

Enjoy views of Palm Beach while eating on complimentary snacks as you cruise around Aruba’s gorgeous beachfront.

Dining options

On one side of the hotels are the beach and on the other side is the main street – J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, where you can find plenty dining and shopping options.

Even though Aruba is regarded as an expensive vacation destination, there are still a few moderately priced restaurants where you can enjoy a pleasant evening with wonderful meals.

  • Amore Mio Pizzeria
  • Gusto Night Club Aruba
  • Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano
  • Craft Aruba

Or just grab an ice cream and stroll around the streets

where-to-eat-in-Aruba

Follow me on Instagram and let me know if you have any questions.